Blog

Why libraries and gardens are a natural fit: an interview with Carrie Scott Banks and Cindy Mediavilla

Posted by Rob Christopher on 05/07/2019

Like libraries, gardens are nuturing environments for both individuals and communities; and today, libraries nationwide are beginning to incorporate gardens into their public services. Banks's and Mediavilla's new book is, in fact, the first-ever book on this trend and showcases several beautiful library gardens from around the world. And as they make clear in this interview, you don't need a green thumb to begin cultivating one!

Thoughts on Transparency and the Preservation of Social Media

Posted by Rob Christopher on 04/23/2019

(Disclaimer: The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this post are those of the author[s] and should not be attributed in any manner to The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent.)

Kenneth J. Varnum surveys top tech trends for libraries

Posted by Rob Christopher on 03/22/2019

If you want to learn about library technology, whether past, present, or future, Kenneth J. Varnum is exactly the right person to talk to. Senior Program Manager for Discovery, Delivery, and Library Analytics at the University of Michigan Library, he has more than two decades of experience working with public-facing technology in academic, corporate, and special libraries.

After more than 20 years, Mother Goose is still on the loose: an interview with Betsy Diamant-Cohen

Posted by Rob Christopher on 03/05/2019

To her many fans, early literacy expert and presenter Betsy Diamant-Cohen needs little introduction. The unique blend of play, activity, music, and reading developed by Diamant-Cohen and known as Mother Goose on the Loose (MGOL for short) has been presented in countless locations across the US.

Michelle Reale on igniting a spirit of inquiry in students

Posted by Rob Christopher on 02/19/2019

How do you guide students to move beyond just finding answers and towards critical thinking? It's exactly the approach Michelle Reale outlines in her new book Inquiry and Research: A Relational Approach in the Classroom. An associate professor and head of access services and outreach at Arcadia University, she took some time out from her duties to speak with us about the epiphany behind writing the book, the role of reflective practice in information literacy, and much more.

The Growing Importance of Data in Academic Libraries

Posted by Rob Christopher on 02/13/2019

To celebrate Love Data Week, we are pleased to share this guest post by Andrew Cox, co-author of the Facet Publishing, UK book Exploring Research Data Management, which was originally posted to the Facet Publishing blog.

Data is the new oil

Posted by Rob Christopher on 02/13/2019

To celebrate Love Data Week, we are pleased to share this guest post by Selena Killick, co-author of the Facet Publishing, UK book Putting Library Assessment Data to Work, originally posted at the Facet Publishing blog.

Vicki L. Gregory outlines collection development for a new generation of students and professionals

Posted by Rob Christopher on 02/07/2019

Since Vicki L. Gregory first published Collection Development and Management for 21st Century Library Collections, it has become a go-to resource for both LIS students and professionals. The new edition cements its status as a classic text on the discipline. So we were thrilled to discuss with Gregory the updates and enhancements she's incorporated into the book. Our interview is below.

New books, products, special events at the ALA Store at Midwinter Meeting in Seattle

Posted by Rob Christopher on 01/17/2019

Thomas P. Mackey and Trudi E. Jacobson: metaliteracy is the perfect approach for combating a post-truth world

Posted by Rob Christopher on 12/31/2018

As outlined by Thomas P. Mackey and Trudi E. Jacobson, the concept of metaliteracy expands the scope of traditional information skills (determine, access, locate, understand, produce, and use information) to include the collaborative production and sharing of information in participatory digital environments (collaborate, produce, and share) prevalent in today's world.